Stories by Paul Caine

Preckwinkle Expects 2018 County Budget to be Nearly $100M Short

Cook County is projecting a budget shortfall of $97.6 million. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joins us to discuss county finances, health care and the controversial soda tax.

Chris Kennedy Making a Name for Himself in Governor’s Race

In the crowded race for governor, businessman Chris Kennedy is making a name for himself by bucking Democratic Party leaders.

New Illinois Guidelines Aim to Boost College and Career Readiness

New state guidelines adopted this month will help kids get ready for life after 12th grade – whether that means picking a college or finding a job.

Stones Retrospective ‘Exhibitionism’ Rolls Into Chicago

From handwritten lyrics to vintage instruments to iconic outfits, a new look at 50 years of the Rolling Stones.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: June 22-25

Lake Michigan’s first floating water park, street festivals, the NHL draft and the annual Pride Parade. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Groups Seek Investigation into Cook County Property Tax System

A coalition of community groups is asking for an investigation into the Cook County property tax assessment system run by Assessor Joseph Berrios.

In Springfield, Special Session Off to a Slow Start

The 10-day special session called by Gov. Bruce Rauner got off to a slow start Wednesday, with legislators spending none of their short time on the House and Senate floors debating material fiscal matters. 

Should Illinois School Districts Hire More Minority Teachers?

In an affluent suburb, a school district is engaged in a bold experiment to help minority students perform better—or a misguided form of bureaucratic overreach, depending on your point of view.

June 21, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the June 21, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Trump Administration in Foreign Territory as Global Crises Mount

The list of foreign policy issues in President Donald Trump’s inbox seems to be growing by the day.

‘Ugly Prey’ Tells Story of First Woman Sentenced to Hang in Chicago

Before Sabella Nitti was sentenced to hang in 1923 for the murder of her husband, no other woman in Chicago had received such a fate. But Nitti’s case was different in more ways than one.

Austin Community Leaders Kick Off Summer with Parade, Festival

Hundreds of summer jobs are cause for celebration. “We want to make sure people know there are a lot of great things happening in this neighborhood besides bullets,” said one organizer of Friday’s event.

CDC: Nearly 1,300 Kids Die from Gunshot Wounds Annually

“Too many children have died or are traumatized by gun violence,” said Dr. Mark Slidell of Comer Children’s Hospital. “The impact of gun violence on children is a serious public health problem.”

Ask Geoffrey: What Happened to the Hamilton Statue?

What happened to the Alexander Hamilton statue in Lincoln Park? Geoffrey Baer tells his story.

Program Gives Voice to Chicago’s Misunderstood, ‘Forgotten’ Youth

Young women from Chicago’s South and West Sides can face the same roadblocks as young men, but their struggles often go unnoticed. How one mentoring program is communicating its message to girls—and teaching self-expression.

New Book Tracks Peregrine Falcon’s Return From Near-Extinction

‘The Peregrine Returns’ is not just a story of recovery, but adaptability, exploring how the cliff-dwelling bird has made a home in an urban environment.

Rauner Calls for Compromise Ahead of Special Session

On the eve of a special legislative session, Gov. Bruce Rauner took a rare step to draw attention to the state budget situation, with a short, but – highly publicized – speech Tuesday evening.

Duckworth Urges Trump to Obey Emoluments Clause

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is joining several other members of the Senate and House in a lawsuit to compel President Trump to obey the Constitution's emoluments clause.

June 20, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the June 20, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Art Conservation Expert Does Museum Work for Free

Art conservation can cost thousands of dollars. Meet one man who’s dedicated to restoring works of art pro bono.

New Book Unearths Role, Influence of Museum Curators

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Field Museum, and the role and influence of the curators who put the museum's incredible collection together.

34 Pre-K Assistants Laid Off as CPS Revises Programming

Chicago Public Schools says the move is not due to spending cuts, but because it is transitioning to a new "universal preschool model."

CPS Borrowing More Money, But Mayor Says Schools Will Open on Time

Tuesday marked the final day of classes for CPS students, and despite lingering questions about district finances and the state budget, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is promising school will resume on time this fall.

Scott Drury, the Anti-Madigan Democratic Candidate for Governor

There are eight Democratic candidates vying to take on incumbent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, but one is gaining traction as the anti-Madigan candidate.

Nurse’s Passion Leads Her to Patient Advocacy

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of health care can be difficult. Meet a local patient advocate who’s made it her life’s work to help others.

All Cooped Up: Renting Chickens in Chicago

The backyard chicken trend gets a leg up with the prospect of temporary ownership – and farm-fresh eggs.
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter